Stabilized Balata Franc handle (Manilkara bidentata)

Product Description Balata Franc (Manilkara bidentata)

Product description

Balata franc, also known by its scientific name Manilkara bidentata, is a rare and precious species of wood native to the tropical forests of America, particularly the Guiana Shield. This majestic tree can reach up to 45 metres in height, with leaves measuring between 10 and 20 cm in length.

Characteristics

• Origin: American rainforests, mainly the Guiana Shield.

• Tree height: Up to 45 metres.

• Leaves: 10 to 20 cm long.

• Gross volume: Around 3 m³ per hectare for trees over 40 cm in diameter.

• Uses of Balata

• Balata is sought after for its many uses, both for its wood and its latex.

Wood :

• Carpentry: used in frameworks to build soundproof walls.

• Cabinetmaking and framing: Perfect for making floors, thanks to its ease of sanding, although difficult to nail and screw.

• Trade name: Massaranduba (may include several species of the Manilkara genus).

Latex :

• Gutta-Balata: Historically used in the manufacture of golf balls, transmission belts, and for insulating telegraph cables.

• Traditional medicine: Bark and latex are used to treat dysentery.

Fruit: Edible.

Characteristics and stabilisation

According to our president:

"It is very rare to find burl. What's more, it's very porous, which is why we stabilise it. It's an example of the aesthetic qualities that nature can provide, to which the hand of man, through stabilisation, adds mechanical properties that allow this material to be used in crafts."

Advantages of stabilisation

Stabilising balata improves its mechanical properties, making it more durable and suitable for use in the manufacture of knife handles and other high-quality craft products. This process reinforces the porous structure of the wood, offering a unique aesthetic and enhanced performance.

Balata franc is an exceptional material for craftsmen looking for wood that is both beautiful and functional. Thanks to our stabilisation process, we can offer you a product that combines natural aesthetics with robustness, ideal for your most refined creations.